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The specialty of obstetrics and gynecology, particularly regarding pregnancy and childbirth, hangs in the balance of a breath, and its benefits or harms concern one's entire life. It is especially crucial within the medical arts; therefore, those who study medicine must not fail to investigate it thoroughly and understand it clearly.

Famous physicians of earlier generations, such as Zhu Danxi (Zhu Zhenheng) and Xue Lizhai (Xue Ji), discussed this subject exhaustively. However, if one seeks works that grasp the most essential points, are concise, and easy to follow, none surpasses the book *Taichan Zhinan* (Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth).

The original preface of this book states: "This work originates from Shan Nanshan. The person's hometown, residence, and name are now untraceable. In the past, Mr. Qian Sheng of Yue Commandery obtained this secret text, mastered the specialty of pregnancy and childbirth, and his reputation topped the commandery. In the Gui Si year of the Qianlong reign (1773), my fellow townsman, Mr. Yi Fangxuezeng, while serving in Ningbo Commandery during the summer heat, obtained this book from his friend Mr. Lou in Shaoxing. Consequently, he also became famous in our county for his expertise in pregnancy and childbirth. After forty or fifty years of clinical experience, he recorded his experiences into a book, instructing future practitioners to apply divine flexibility within the rules, without allowing bias or rigidity. He titled it *Nuke Yian* (Medical Cases of Women's Diseases), comprising seven volumes. However, Mr. Yi regarded *Zhinan* as a secret treasure kept at his pillow and never lightly showed it to others; even relatives and friends were unaware of it. After Mr. Yi passed away, his nephew, the Juren Cai Yiting, finally obtained it, copied it, and circulated it. Mr. Ou Kongzhang studied the civil service examination curriculum under Mr. Yiting in his youth. Delighted by this book, he copied it by hand and long wished to have it printed and published to spread its transmission, but due to hurried circumstances, this was not realized. This autumn, while compiling the genealogy, the task was nearing completion. The genealogist, Mr. Cai Zhong of Tiantai, knowing of Mr. Ou's intention, further encouraged him. Thus, Mr. Ou entrusted Mr. Cai to hand it over to the engravers and appended Mr. Yi Fang's medical cases. In the past, Duke Jin of the Tang Dynasty, after retiring to his home, personally copied *Jiyan Liangfang* (Collected Effective Good Prescriptions) and had it published. Fan Zhongyan of the Song Dynasty did likewise, stating, 'If I cannot be a good prime minister, I wish to be a good physician.' The achievements of these two dukes in benefiting the world and prolonging people's lives are beyond recounting. Yet they devoted themselves so attentively to medicine, truly recognizing that although medicine is considered a minor art, its benefit and relief to the world are profound. Although Mr. Ou dares not compare himself with these two dukes, his intention to publish this book remains similar to theirs. I appreciate his intent and thus narrate its origin as follows. Some say: For categories such as astrology, physiognomy, medicine, and divination, if there are secret texts, they should not be disclosed. If printed and circulated, they will lose their efficacy. This view is no different from childish reasoning and merely provides an excuse for those who withhold knowledge; it is indeed despised by great masters. What is there to argue about? What is there to argue about?"

Written in the ninth month (Chrysanthemum Month) of the sixth year of the Xianfeng reign (1856) by Zhou Danchen of Kuipu.